Article grappling and stacking attachment for lift trucks



Feb. 5, 1957 wfs. GLENN, JR, ETAL 2,780,377

ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT FOR LIFT TRUCKS Filed March 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet l I73 lea m N 10 31 60 0 0 '8 961 5 92 no 1051 .1: QT.

57 Y5)- t55 Ioe\{ i102 (non e5 62) L 112 W WILLIAM S. GLENN,JR. and WARREN L. SEPTON.

INYENTQR BY akrwa ATTORNEYS Feb. 5, 1957 w. s. GLENN, JR., ETAL 2,780,377

ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT'FOR LIFT TRUCKS Filed March 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WILLIAM S. GLENN, TR. and WARREN L. SEPTON- wow) 08, p m gm.

ATTORNEYS Feb. 5, 1957 w. s. GLENN, JR., ETAL ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT FOR LIFT TRUCKS Filed March 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 60 154 m I75 "I 12% M 'o files T r I 1 l 5 0. so

0 I56 r 4 0 WI \00 2o 20a, 20 57 F 5' I26 WILLIAM S. GLENN, 3'12.

and WARREN L. SEPToN.

INVENTOR BY 314" M ATTORNEYS Feb. 5, 1957 .w. s. GLENN, JR., ETAL 2,780,377

ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT FOR LIFT TRUCKS Filed March 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I 175 I :3: 4 mm ui HO 1% n O .8 m 0 60 9| us 96 +05 3.2:

INVENTOR:

WILLIAM S. GLENNJR and. WARREN L. SEPTON.

ATTORNEYS Feb. 5, 1957 w. s. GLENN, JR, ETAL 2,780,377

ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT FOR LIFT TRUCKS Filed March 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR MAL/AM S GLENN, IR.

and MRREN L. SEPTON.

ATTORNEYS ARTICLE GRAPPLING AND STACKING ATTACHMENT FOR LIFT TRUCKS William S. Glenn, Jr., and Warren L. Septon, Spartanburg, S. C.; said Septon assignor to said Glenn, Jr.

Application March 16, E54, Serial No. 416,578

11 Claims. (Cl. 214--652) This invention relates to apparatus of the type associated with industrial trucks for handling heavy articles such as large boxes or other containers, cotton bales and the like.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide an improved article handling and stacking apparatus adapted to be mounted on the usual raising and lowering means of an industrial truck, which apparatus is of simple, compact construction to enable the truck to freely pass through relatively narrow aisles between adjacent rows of stacked articles and wherein the apparatus is provided with a tiltable platform having a grappling means thereon which is shiftable out of the vertical plane of the plat form for gripping the article and lifting the same onto the platform and, also, wherein the platform may be elevated to the desired level and tilted in any desired direction, except toward the truck itself, for depositing the article on its side upon other articles, or the grappling means may be moved outwardly in any desired direction relative to the truck, with the exception of being moved toward the truck itself, for depositing the article upon other articles in the same upright position in which the article was originally disposed when it was initially grasped by the grappling means.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the type described which is provided with fluid pressure operated means for imparting movement to the tiltable platform and the grappling means relative to the platform and also wherein the grappling means comprises spaced members which are movable toward and away from each other by fluid pressure operated means, for gripping articles therebetween.

Briefly, the invention comprises a base adapted to be mounted on the usual lift element of an industrial truck and on which base a lower or primary platform is mountq ed with fluid pressure operated means for rotating the primary platform about a substantially vertical axis. The primary platform has a secondary platform hingedly connected thereto at one edge thereof and fluid pressure operated means are also provided for tilting the secondary or hinged platform relative to the primary platform. The secondary platform has a turntable thereon which may be manually rotated by rotating the article positioned thereupon so the article may be turned to any desired position after being positioned upon the secondary platform.

Also, mounted on the secondary, hinged or tiltable platform, adjacent the free end thereof, is a grappling device having arms extending therefrom whose free ends normally terminate adjacent the hinged edge of the secondary platform and means are provided for swinging or moving the grappling device outwardly and down wardly with respect to the secondary platform.

Fluid pressure operated means are also provided for moving the grappling arms toward and away from each other so that, when the grappling device is swung out wardly and downwardly relative to the secondary platice form, the article may be grasped therebetween and then raised as the grappling device is returned to its original position so the article is then positioned upon the secondary platform, although the secondary platform is spaced substantially above the floor upon which the truck is positioned.

It is apparent that the usual lifting means of the truck may then be operated to raise and lower the improved apparatus as desired and, when raised, the grappling means may be operated to shift the article from the second platform while maintaining the same in its original attitude and to thus position the article upon other stacked articles, if desired. On the other hand, the grappling device may be maintained in its position above the platform and the secondary platform may then be tilted after which the article is released from the grappling device so the article is then positioned on its side upon other articles as desired.

Since the primary platform is mounted for movement about a vertical axis, it follows that the articles handled by the improved apparatus may be positioned forwardly of, or to either side of, the truck as desired.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a side elevation of the improved apparatus showing the same in association with a portion of an industrial lift truck;

Figure 1-A is a fragmentary view similar to the lower left-hand portion of Figure 1, with parts broken away and in section, but showing a modified form of bearing means between the base and the primary or rotatable platform;

Figure 2 is an inverted plan view of the improved article handling apparatus removed from the truck and showing, in particular, the means for imparting rotative movement to the platforms and the grappling device;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the improved apparatus mounted on the front end of an industrial lift truck;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary verticalsectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 in Figure 2 showing the rotary connection between the primary platform and the base of the apparatus;

Figure 5 is an isometric viewe of the improved apparatus removed from the truck, showing a portion of the same broken away with the grappling device in retracted position;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a view similar to the lower left-hand portion of Figure 1, but showing the grappling device in extended position;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, but showing I the grappling device in retracted position relative to the tiltable or secondary platform and showing the tiltable platform tilted in substantially right angular relationship to the primary or rotatable platform;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to Figure 7, but showing a substantial portion of the grappling device broken away and showing, in particular, how initial impetus or upward movement is imparted to the secondary platform relative to the primary platform;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional plan view, mostly in elevation, taken substantially along line 1tl-1il in Figure 1 and showing the means for imparting initial upward movement to the secondary platform relative to the primary platform;

Figure 11 is a View, partially in section, taken substantially along line 11-11 in Figure 1 and showing how the hydraulic or fluid pressure lines or conduits are caused to be raised and lowered with the improved apparatus upon actuation of the conventionallifting apparatus of the truck;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of the fluid pressure circuit for the particular rams employed in operating the various parts of the'improved apparatus;

Figure 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view showing how the turntable is mounted and being taken substantially along; line 13-13 in Figure 3;

eferring more specifically to the drawings, the numeral ill broadly designates an industrial trucl: of the usualtype driven with an internal combustion and hav ing at its forward end a pivotally mounted upright telescopic frame If acting as a guide and a support for a carriage broadly designated at 12:and which truck 14 is providedwith conventional fluid operating mechanisms, not shown in detail, but portions of which are shown schematically in Figure 12.

The lift truck or industrial truck it) may be of any desired or conventional construction and constitutes a part. ofthe present'invention only to the extent that the improved apparatus is particularly, adapted to be mounted ouandraised and lowered by the carriage 12 and controlledby the conventional fluid pressure mechanisms ofthe truck. The particular truck illustrated in the drawings is of a type-shown in the patent to George B. Johnson, No. 2,428,223, issued September'30, 1947. Accordingly, a'detailed illustration and description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

In order that a clear understanding may behad of the improved article handling apparatus, a further description will now be given of the pivotally mounted substantially upright telescopic frame 11. The frame ll comprises outer upright-frame members 14, 15 (Figure 3) which are joined at the top by a transverse frame member 16 .andbetween which frame members 14, 15 an extensible frame includingspaced uprights 2d, 21 is mounted for vertical movement relative to the frame members 14, 15.

The carriage llZis guided on the upper movable or extensible frame formed of frame members 14, 15 by a plurality of rollers 22 and preferably comprises a substantially rectangular frame which may consist of horizontal'framemembers 24, 25 and substantially vertical frame members 26, 27 (Figure 11) secured together at their corners to provide a rectangular frame. Thehorizontal frame members 24, 25 are shown as being longer than the width of the upright pivoted frame assembly 11 so that they project beyond each side of said pivoted upright frame assembly and these frame members may be joined at the middle by an intermediate vertical frame member fall.

The substantially rectangular frame of thecarriage 12 has a horizontally disposed rod or shaft 31 mounted in the vertical frame members 26, 27, and whose opposite ends extend outwardly beyond the frame memhere 26, 27 for supporting the improved article handling apparatus to be later described. The truck 10 i-salso provided with a conventional cylinder 34 supported by the lower upright frame section in the usual manner, as shown in said patent, and which operates to impart vertical movement to a piston 35.

The upper end of piston 35 is connected to the lower portion of a U-shaped bracket or yoke 36 whose upper endis connected to an upper cross frame member 37. The opposite ends of the upper cross frame member 37 are connected to the upper ends of the upright members 26, 21 forming the extensible portion ofthe upright framework 11.

A pulley shaft ltl (Figures 1 and 11) is mounted in the upper portion of the upright frame members 26 21 and has a grooved pulley 4-1 mounted on the central portion thereof between the upright legs of the U-shaped bracket 36. The shaft 443 also has a pair of multi-grooved pulleys, rollers or drums 42 mounted thereon adjacent opposite sides of the yoke 36. The purposesof the multigrooved pulleys or drums 42 will be later described.

The truck 10 may be provided with the usual means for transmitting fluid under pressure to the upper and lower ends of the upright cylinder 34- from a suitable reservoir d3 shown schematically in Figure 12 and which reservoir contains fluid 44 and a pump 45 for directing the lluid 4d outwardly under pressure through a pipe or conduit 46. A return pipe or conduit is also connected to the reservoir 43 andis indicated at 47. The connections between the pipes 46, i7 and the lift cylinder 34 are not shown in the present drawings, since they are well known in the art and are clearly illustrated" in said Patent No. 2,428,223.

The pulley ll-is engaged by a lift chain 50, one end of which is connected to the carriage l2 and the other end of which is connected to the cross or transverse frame member 16. It is apparent that, when. the piston 35 is driven upwardly by fluid under pressure in the cylinder 34, it engages the movable frame section comprising members 2%, 21, 37 through the intermediary of the yoke'llfi and liftsthe upper frame section as well as the pulley '41.

Since the rear end of the chain 56 is anchored to the transverse frame member 16 of the lower or outer'frame sectionof the upright frame 11, the raising of the pulley -ll simultaneously extends both the-forward and rearward bights of the chain 5% and the carriage 12 is raised twice as fast as the upper frame 2?, 21, 3'').

The parts heretofore described, with the exception of the multi-grooved pulleys or rollers 42 (Figure ll). are conventional andwell known in the art and it is with such parts that the present invention is particularly adapted to be associated. However, his to be distinctly understood that the present invention may be used in association with ma'ny different types of trucks wherein the organization of parts thereof may be somewhat different from that heretofore described.

T he improved article handling apparatus generally comprises a base 55 fixedly mounted on a horizontal portion of a substantially L--sl1aped framework broadly designated at SG and on which base a rotatable or swivel element or primary platform is mounted for rotative movement about a substantially vertical axis. A. secondary or tiltable platform of is hiugedly connected to one upturned edge of the primary platform 57 andsupports a radially shiftable or outwardly and inwardly shiftable grappling device broadly designated at 61. The base 55 is shown as being-in the form of a substantially rectangular plate in Figures 2 and 4.

The substantially L-shaped framework 56' comprises parallel spaced substantially horizontally disposed side frame members 62., as in the form of angle bars whose front ends are connected to oppositeends of a transverse frame member 64 to which a pair of toe skids 65am suitably secured. The rear portions of the angle bars 623, 63 are suitably secured to the upper surfaces offorwardlyprojecting arms'o S, 67 (Figures 1, 2 and 11). Suitable heel skids ofiinay be fixed to the lower surfaces ofarms 66, 6'7. The rear ends of the amass, 6'7 are suitably secured'to, or integral with, the lower portion of a substantiallyrectangular frame formiug'the vertical leg ofthe framework 56 and comprising upper and lower horizontal frame members 7%, 7i and vertically disposed side frame members 72, 73; This rectangular frame is adapted to snugly fit about the carriage frame comprising frame members 24 throughZ'l.

The substantiallyrectangular frame forming the'vertical legof' the L-shaped framework 56" is held-in engagement with the rectangular frame of the carriage 12 by means of the rod 33, said rod being sli'dably, mounted in the rectangular frame'of the carriage 12. The upright frame memberslfi, 'i3'ol' the vertical leg of thesubstantially L-shapedframeworl; Ehare suitably apertured for slidably receiving. theirod Lil; As heretofore stated, the swivel platform orprimary'platform' 57 is 'supportedfor rotative movement on the base and it is preferable that a suitable thrust bearing element or plate 75 of low friction-material is disposed between the proximal surfaces of the base plate 55 and the primary platform or swivel platform 57 as shown in Figures 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9. Another form of bearing means between the base plate 55 and the primary platform 57 is shown in Figure 1A, which will be later described.

As best shown in Figure 4, the substantially central portions of the thrust bearing element or plate 75 and the base plate 55 are provided with an opening 76 through which an annular throat portion 77, integal with or suitably secured to the lower substantially central portion of the primary or swivel platform 57, loosely extends. The lower end of the throat portion 77 has a gear 80 thereon which is disposed beneath the level of the base plate 55 and is engaged by a rack 81 mounted for horizontal movement in an elongated guide portion 82 of a gear housing 84.

The gear housing 84 is suitably secured to the lower surface of the base plate 55 and also serves as a rotary connection between the proximal ends of a plurality of fluid pressure lines or conduits which are instrumental in directing fluid under pressure to and from the various hydraulic or pneumatic rams of the improved article handling apparatus as will be later described. The hub or throat portion 77 of the swivel platform or primary platform 57 has a bore 85 therethrough in which a hub portion or upwardly projecting portion 86, integral with the housing 84, is positioned. Suitable low friction or anti-friction bearing means 87 are provided between the wall of the bore 35 and the periphery of the upwardly projecting hub portion 86 of the housing 84. The front or outer end of the primary or swivel platform 57 has an upturned portion 90 thereon to which the corresponding edge of the upper, tiltable or secondary platform 60 is hingedly connected, as at 91.

A suitable bumper or guard 92 is suitably secured to the front end of the primary or lower platform 57 for protecting the upturned portion 90 and the adjacent portion of the hinge 1. Suitably secured to the proximal surfaces of the platforms 57, 60, adjacent the free ends thereof, are tapered blocks or bars 95, 96 whose proximal surfaces converge inwardly or forwardly and engage the opposite surfaces of a cam block 100.

It should be noted that, when the tiltable or secondary platform 60 is in closed position, as shown in Figures 1, 5 and 8, the diverging surfaces of cam block 100 mate with the inclined proximal surfaces of the bars or blocks 95, 96. The cam block 100 is fixed on the free end of a plunger 101 and is suitably restrained from rotative movement thereon. The other end of the plunger 101 is fixed in the outer end of a piston rod 102 which is a part of a hydraulic or fluid pressure operated ram and whose inner end has a piston 103 fixed thereon and mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in a cylinder 104. The head of the cylinder 104 has an elongated tubular portion 106 thereon which forms an abutment which is engageable, at times, by a trunnion or cuff member 107 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the plunger 101. The base of the cylinder 104 is pivotally connected, as at 110, to the upturned portion 90 of the rotatable or primary platform 57.

It will be observed in Figure that the trunnion or cuff member .107 is elongated and has corresponding ends of lower and upper pairs of links 111, 112, respectively, pivotally connected to opposite ends thereof and which extend rearwardly in diverging relationship and normally straddle the cylinder 104.

The other ends of the links 111, 112 are pivotally connected, as at 113, 114, to the medial portions of the respective lower and upper platforms 57, 60. The surface of the trunnion or cuif member 107 adjacent the cam block 101 is engaged by one end of a compression spring 115 which surrounds the plunger 101 and whose other 6 end engages an abutment or nut 116 adjustably mounted on the plunger 101.

The cylinder 104 is a double-acting cylinder and has corresponding ends of fluid pressure pipes, lines or conduits 120, 121 connected thereto, as best shown in Figure 12. Means are provided for alternately directing fluid under pressure into opposite ends of the cylinder 104 through the respective pipes 120, 121 and, when the parts are in the positions shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10, and fluid pressure is admitted to the right-hand or rear end of the cylinder 104, the piston rod 102, plunger 101 and cam block commence movement from, right to left to initially move the cam block 100 from the position shown in Figure 7 to that shown in Figure 9/ The links 111, 112 may remain stationary during this initial movement of the cam block 100, during which the cam block moves relative to the blocks 95, 96 to initially elfect upward movement of the free edge of the secondary platform 60. This may be necessary because of the pivot points of the links 111, 112 being disposed rela tively close to dead-center relative to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 102 and cylinder 104.

After the spring has been compressed sufiiciently against the trunnion or cuif member 107 by inward movement of the piston rod 102, the pivoted ends 113, 114 of the links 111, 112 will have moved sufficiently away from dead-center so that continued inward movement of the piston rod 102 will cause the trunnion or cuff member 107 to move therewith and impart further separating movement to the pivoted ends 113, 114 of the links 111, 112. Thus, the tiltable or secondary platform 60 may be tilted to substantially any desired angle or between the position shown in Figure 7 and that shown in Figure 8. g

It will be noted that, when the secondary platform 60 is disposed in substantially vertical position or in substantially right angular relation to the primary platform 57, the cuff member or trunnion 107 then engages the end of the tubular abutment 106 on the head of the cylinder 104. In order to lower the tiltable platform 60, fluid pressure is admitted to the lower end of the cylinder 104, causing the piston rod 102 to move outwardly until it engages and imparts movement to the trunnion or cuff member 107. In so doing, the links 111, 112 move outwardly with the piston rod 102 to return the parts to the position shown in Figures 9 and 7, successively.

The frame of the grappling device 61 comprises upper and lower cross bars 125, 126 whose opposite ends are connected to corresponding ends of frame members 127, 128. The cross bars 125 and 126 are termed as upper and lower cross bars, respectively, because of the position normally occupied thereby, although the cross bars 125, 126 may be spaced horizontally from each other when the secondary or tiltable platform 60 is in the upright position shown in Figure 8.

In order to maintain the grappling device 61 in substantially parallel relation to the secondary platform 60 when it is shifted between the position shown in Figure 1 and that shown in Figure 7, for example, opposite sides of the frame of the grappling device 61 have respective pairs of parallel links 131, 132 and 133, 134 pivotally connected thereto. To this end, it Will be observed in Figures l, 3 and 5 that corresponding ends of the links 131, 133 are pivotally connected, as at 136, to the respective side frame members 127, 128 and the bifurcated corresponding ends of the links 132, 134 are pivotally connected, as at 137, to the free ends of arms 140, 141 which extend forwardly in Figures 1 and 5 and are fixed to the lower cross bar 126.

The lower ends of the parallel links 131, 132, 133, 134 are pivotally mounted in respective bifurcated blocks 142 to 145, inclusive, suitably secured to, or integral with, the upper surface of the secondary or tiltable platform 60. It will be observed in Figures 1,5, 7 and 9 that the blocks 142, 144 are spaced toward the pivoted edge of grease? 7 the secondary platform 69 relative to the blocks 143,145 and are also spaced further apart from each other than the blocks 14-3, 145. The medial portions of the links 131, 133 penetrate opposite end portions of a stabilizing bar 146 which is suitably secured to the links 131, 133, as'by screws 147.

In order to extend and retract the grappling device 61 relative to the secondary platform between the positions shown in Figures 1 and 7, a double-acting ram is employed which comprises a cylinder 15! in which a piston 151 is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement and to which piston a piston rod 152 is secured. The piston rod 152 slidably penetrates the head of the cylinder and has a clevis 153 fixed to its free or upper end which is pivotally connected to the cross bar 125 of the frame of the grappling device or by means a rod 154. The lower end or base of the cylinder 156 is pivotally mounted in a bifurcated block suitably secured to the upper surface of the secondary platform 6t) adjacent the free edge thereof.

As best shown in Figure 12, opposite ends of the cylinder 15% have respective fluid pressure lines, pipes or conduits 156, 157 communicatively connected thereto and it is apparent that, upon introduction of fluid under pressure to the lower end of the cylinder 151), the grappling device 61 may be moved outwardly and downwardly in a substantially arcuate path while remaining in substantially the same attitude throughout its movement from substantially the position shown in Figure l to substantially the position shown in Figure 7. upon introducing fluid under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder 15%, the grappling device 61 is caused to move upwardly and rearwardly from substantially the position shown in Figure 7 to return to substantially the position shown in Figures 1 and 5.

The means for alternately directing fluid under pressure through the pipes 156, 157 into the respective lower and upper ends of the cylinder 151 will be later described. The stabilizing bar 146 has recesses 158 therein to accommodate the corresponding ends of links 132, 134

164 in which a pair of pistons 165, 166 are mounted for longitudinal movement. The proximal ends of the piston rods 162, 163 are fixed to the respective pistons 165, 166. The elements 162 to 11%, inclusive, collectively form ram means for moving the grasping bar supports 169, 161 toward and away from each other.

The medial portion of the cylinder 164 is mounted in a bracket 167 which extends radially from opposite sides of the cylinder 164 and is preferably fixedly mounted on a pair of guide rods 17%, 171. Opposite-ends of the guide rods 17%, 171 are fixed in the side frame members 127, 123 (Figure 6).

The supports 160, 161 extend outwardly or forwardly beyond the frame formed of elements 125, 126, 127, 128 and have respective pairs of upper and lower grappling arms or grasping arms 172, 173 and 174, 175 suitably secured thereto, as by being threaded thereinto. The grasping arms 172 to 175, inclusive, may be straight, if desired, but due to space limitations, it may be desirable to bend the grasping arms adjacent the corresponding supports 16%, 161, as at 176, so the outer or free end portions of the grasping arms 172 to 175, inclusive, are spaced further apart from each other than the supports 16%, .161. It is preferable that the inner surface of each of the grasping arms 172 to 175, inclusive, has two or more relatively thin or sharp projections 1'77 thereon which may be re- Conversely,

S movably attached to the grasping arms or formed integral therewith, as desired. These projections 177 are particularly useful in handling resilient or pliable articles or objects, such as bales of cotton and the like.

As best shown in Figure 12, the medial portion of the cylinder 164 has one end of a pipe, conduit or fluid pressure line 18%) connected thereto and opposite ends of the cylinder 164 have respective pipes, conduits or fluid pressure lines 181, 182 connected thereto. The means for directing fluid pressure either into the central portion of the cylinder 164 or into opposite ends thereof will be later described.

it is apparent that, prior to admitting fluid pressure to the lower end of the cylinder 156, the grappling arms 172, .173 and 174, 175 may be moved apart from each other by admitting fluid under pressure to the central portion of the cylinder 164*. After the grappling device 61 has been swung outwardly to the desired position, such as that shown in Figure 7, the grappling arms 172, 173 and 174, 17:; may then be moved inwardly toward each other by the admission of fluid pressure to opposite ends of the cylinder 164. Thus, the grasping arms 172, 173 and 174, 175 will tightly engage opposite sides of the article to be handled and, as the grappling device 61 is swung inwardly from the position shown in Figure 7 to substantially the position shown in Figure 1, the upward arcuate movement thereof will raise the article supported between the grasping or grappling arms 172 to 175, inclusive, so that its lower surface will clear the platform 61; in the course of inward movement or retracting movement of the grappling device 61. As the parallel links 131 to 134, inclusive, reach a substantially vertical position, that is, a position in substantially right angular relation to the secondary platform of further inward movement of the grappling device 61 will lower the article supported between the grappling arms 172 to 175, inclusive, so that it will then rest in upright position against the upper surface of the secondary platform 60.

It is preferable that the upper surface of the secondary platform 69 is provided with a disk-like turntable 185 which may be manually rotated relative to the secondary platform 68 to thereby facilitate rotation of an article positioned thereon in the manner heretofore described. A turntable of this character is particularly useful in handling bales of cotton in a cotton warehouse, because it is quite often necessary to rotate a bale of cotton to successively expose all four sides thereof so a swatch of cotton may be removed from each side of a bale, if desired, for grading the cotton as to staple length, cleanliness, etc.

The turntable 185 may be supported for rotation on the secondary platform so in any desired manner and, in this instance, it will be observed in Figure 13 that the turntable 185 is fixed on a stub shaft 186 which is shown in the form of a shoulder screw in Figure 13 and is rotatably mounted in the secondary platform (all. The reduced lower end of the shaft 186 has a thrust washer 187 mounted thereon which is retained thereon by means of a nut 191) thrcadably mounted on the reduced lower end of the shaft 186. The secondary platform 69 is provided with a plurality of circularly spaced openings 11 therein through which the upper portions of rollers 192 project, and the turntable 185 rests upon the rollers 1&2. Each of the rollers 192 is journaled in a pair of brackets 1%, shown in the form of angle clips, suitably secured to the lower surface of the secondary platform on.

Referring to Figure lA, there will be observed a modified form of bearing means which may be provided between the primary platform and the base plate 55 in lieu of the low friction bearing plate 75' heretofore de scribed. The bearing means shown in Figure l-A is similar to the bearing means between the turntable 185 and the secondary platform 6% shown in Figure 13. In both .forms of bearing means between the base plate 55 and the primary platform 57, the central portion of the 9 primary platform is supported in substantially the manner shown in Figure 4; However, in Figure lA, m lieu of the low friction plate 75, a plurality of circularly spaced rollers 240 are provided whose upper portions PI'OJCClZ through corresponding openings 241 provided in the base and whose uper surfaces are engtaged by the lower surface of the primary platform 57. Each of the rollers 240 is journalled in a pair of brackets 242, shown in the form of angle clips, suitably secured to the lower surface of the base plate 55 or to the horizontal portion of the L-shaped framework 56, as the case may be.

It is thus seen that, by using the modified form of bearing means between the base plate 55 and the primary platform 57, the central portion of the primary platform is rotatably supported and held in proper central position relative to the base plate 55 by means of the bearings 87 shown in the central portion of Figure 4 and the lower surface of the primary platform 57 may move in engagement with the rollers 240. Now, in order to rotate automatically the platforms 57, 60 and the grappling device 61 relative to the base 55, the rack 81 (Figure 2) is fixed to, or formed integral with, a piston rod 195 which penetrates one end of a cylinder 196 and is fixed to a piston 197 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in the cylinder 196. The elements 195, 196, 197 form a ram for imparting movement to the rack 81 in opposite directions. Pipes, conduits or fluid pressure lines 200, 201 are connected to opposite ends of the cylinder 196 for alternately directing fluid pressure to opposite ends of the cylinder 196.

In order to avoid confusion, only portions of the pipes or conduits 120, 121, 156, 157, 180, 181 and 182 are shown in Figures l and 3 to 11, inclusive, since the manner in which fluid pressure is directed thereto and therethe secondary platform 60 and between the primary and secondary platforms 57, 60.

The ends of the pipes or conduits 120, 121, 156, 157, 180 and 182 remote from the respective cylinders 104, 150 and 164 are coupled, by means of suitable rotary pipe connections 203, to corresponding ends of respective conduits 204 to 209, inclusive. The pipes or conduits 204 to 209, inclusive, extend through the hub 86 of the gear housing 84 and then extend rearwardly along with pipes 200, 201 and penetrate the transverse frame member 71 at the juncture of the horizontal and vertical legs of the L-shaped framework 56. Although the pipes 200, 201 and 204 through 209 are each described as a single pipe, it should be understood that each of these pipes may be formed of suitably coupled pipe sections. These pipes or conduit 204 to 209, inclusive, then extend upwardly successively through the upper frame member 24 of the carriage 12 and the upper frame member of the vertical leg of the framework 56 and then extend upwardly and pass partially around the corresponding rollers 42.

The pipes or conduits 204 to 209, inclusive, then extend downwardly rearwardly of the rollers 42 and are fixed .to the upper transverse frame member 16 of the telescoping frame 11, from whence they extenddownwardly and are connected to respective four-way valves disposed within a suitable housing 215 suitably secured to the frame members 14, 15 which form the outer portion of the extensible or telescoping frame 11.

The valve casing 215 has a plurality of valve control levers'or knobs 216 mounted therein and is preferably mounted as described so the control levers or knobs 216 are disposed within reach of the operator of the truck 10, there being one of the levers 216 for operating each of the valves disposed within the casing 215. The upper end of a conduit 217 is connected to the lower wall of the casing 215 and extends downwardly and has the pipes or conduits 46 and 47 mounted therein (Figures 1 and 12).

The valves disposed within the casing 215 are indicated at 220 to 223, inclusive, for controlling the flow of fluid under pressure to and from the respective cylinders 196, 104, and 164. It follows, therefore, that the ends of the pipes or conduits 200, 201 remote from cylinder 196 are conn cted to the valve 220, the ends of pipes or conduits 204, 205 remote from the pipes 120, 121 are connected to the valve 221, the ends of pipes 206, 207 remote from the respective pipes 156, 157 are connected to the valve 222, and the ends of pipes 208, 209 remote from the pipes 180, 182 are connected to the valve 223.

The valves 220 to 223, inclusive, also have respective pairs of pipes 224 to 231, inclusive, connected thereto. The ends of pipes 224, 226, 228, 230 remote from the valve 220, 221, 222, 223 are connected to a common pipe 232 and the ends of pipes 225, 227, 229 and 231 are connected to a common pipe 233.

The ends of the pipes or conduits 46, 47 remote from the reservoir 43 are connected to the respective pipes 233, 232. The valves 220 to 223, inclusive, may be of any desired construction and each is shown as being provided with a rotatable core 235 having a pair of passageways 236, 237 therein for controlling the direction of flow of the fluid under pressure through the respective valves.

It is apparent that, when the valve cores 235 occupy the positions shown in Figure 12, fluid pressure is directed from the reservoir 43 to the lower or base ends of the cylinders 104, 150, 164, 196 and is returned to the reservoir 43 from the head ends of said cylinders. By rotating the cores 235, fluid pressure is then directed from the reservoir to the head ends of the cylinders 104, 150, 164 and 196 and returned to the reservoir 43 from the base ends of said cylinders.

It is thus seen that I have provided an improved apparatus adapted to be mounted on the usual lift carriage of an industrial truck and including a pair of normally superposed platforms, namely, a primary or lower platform and a secondary or tiltable platform and on which tiltable platform a grappling device is mounted. Fluid pressure operated means are provided for rotating the primary and secondary platforms with the grappling device about a substantially vertical axis, for tilting the upper or secondary platform at any desired angle and for extending and retracting the grappling device.

Also, the grappling device is so mounted that it will move in an arcuate path as it is extended relative to the secondary platform so that the grappling arms thereon, which are also moved inwardly and outwardly relative to each other by fluid pressure operated means, may grasp an article positioned on a lower level than the upper surface of the secondary platform and, when retracted, will raise the article and position the same upon the secondary platform.

' The secondary platform is also provided with the turntable 185 thereon so that any article positioned thereupon by the grappling device may be rotated relative to the secondary platform 61) with a minimum of effort on the part of the operator. It is apparent that the improved apparatus enables an operator to pick up an article forwardly of the platform 60 and then position the same upon the platform whereupon the platforms 57, 60 and the grappling device 61 may be elevated to the desired level and then the article may be removed from the platform 60 and positioned forwardly of or to either side of the longitudinal axis of the truck 10 while the article is maintained in the same attitude in which it was disposed when it was initially picked up and placed upon the secondary platform 60. Also, after the article has H ensue /v l. 1 been elevated to the desired level, the tiltable platform 60 maybe tilted at any desired angle so the article, when released from the grappling arms 1-72 to i755, inclusive, may be positioned upon other articles at a different attitude than that occupied thereby when it was initially picked up and placed upon the secondary platform It is apparent that the platforms 57, 6t) and the grappling device 62 may be operated in a manner opposite from that last described for picking up an article from a level substantially higher than the level on which the truck It? is disposed and for depositing the article upon the floor in the desired attitude.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and al though specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

We claim:

1. in a lift truck having a vertically movable frame thereon; the combination of a support adapted to be mounted on said vertically movable frame, a grappling device movably mounted on said support and having laterally spaced substantially parallel grappling arms means for rotating the grappling device about vertical axis relative to said support subquarter revolution either side of the longiof the truck, means for tilting said grappling device an means for extending and retracting said grappling device relative to said support in opposite directions substantially parallel with said grappling arms.

2. An attachment for lift trucks and the like, said lift truck having a vertically movable frame thereon; a substantially horizontal primary platform mounted for rotative movement about a substantially vertical axis and through an arc of substantially one hundred eighty de-- grees on said vertically movable frame, a secondary plan form pivotally connected to said primary platform, a grappling device pivotally mounted on said secondary platform and having spaced substantially parallel grappling arms thereon, fluid pressure operated means for rotating the primary platform about said vertical axis, fluid pressure operated means for tilting said secondary platform, and fluid pressure operated means for extending and retracting said grappling device.

3. In a lift truck having a vertical extending load supporting frame at its front end and having a carriage guided for movement longitudinally of said frame; the combination of a platform, means supporting said platform for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and adapted to be mounted on said carriage, means for rotating said platform substantially one-fourth revolution either side of the longitudinal axis of the truck, means for tilting said platform relative to said supporting means, a grappling device mounted on said platform, said grappling device including at least two spaced substantially parallel grappling arms, means for moving said arms relative to each other for grasping and releasing an article therebetwecn, and means for moving said grappling device inwardly and outwardly relative to the platform.

4-. in a lift truck having a substantially upright frame and a lift element movable along said upright frame, the combination of a substantially horizontally disposed platform adapted to be carried by said lift element, means for rotating said platform about a substantially vertical axis relative to said lift element, a grappling device movably mounted on said platform, means for moving said grappling device in opposite directions substantially radially of the axis of said platform and also for moving said grappling device in a substantially arcuate path, said grappling device having clamping members thereon, means for moving said clamping members relative to each other for clamping an article therebetween, and a relatively thin turntable rotatably mounted on said platform on an axis substantially parallel to the axis of said platform.

5. In a lift truck having a'vertical extending load supporting frame at its front end and having acarriage guided forrnovement longitudinally of said frame; the combination of a tiltable platform adapted to be supported by said carriage, means for rotating said tiltablc platform about a substantially vertical axis, a grappling device mounted on said tiltable platform, said grappling device including at least two spaced substantially parallel. grappling arms, means for moving said arms toward and away from each other for grasping and releasing an :vrt'de therebetween, means for moving said grappling device inwardly and outwardly relative to and in substan' tially parallel relation to the tiltable platform, and a turntable mounted on said platform for rotative movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of said platform.

6. in a lift truck having a substantially vertical frame, lift. element mounted for substantially vertical movement on said vertical frame and a source of fluid under pressure; the combination of a substantially L-shaped framework adapted to be mounted on said lift element, a base mounted on the horizontal leg of said L-shaped framework, a platform mounted on said base, means for shifting said platform about a substantially vertical axis on said base, means for tilting said platform between substantially horizontal and substantially vertical positions, e. grappling device carried by said platform, fluid pressure operated means for moving said grappling device in an arcuate path substantially parallel to the platform, fluid pressure operated means on the grappling device for clamping an article thcrebetwcen, first fluid pressure conduits connected to said fluid pressure operated means, a plurality of second fluid pressure conduits extending from said source to the base, and rotary councctions between the first and second conduits.

7. ln a lift truck having an open substantially vertical telescopic frame and a substantially rectangular carriage f me mounted for substantially vertical movement on said vertical frame; the combination of a substantially L-shaped framework having a substantially rectangular vertical leg adapted to be mounted on said carriage frame, a base mounted on the horizontal leg of said L-shaped framework, a first platform rotatably mounted on said base,- means for shifting said first platform about a substantially vertical axis on said base comprising a rack, said base having an opening therethrough, a hollow throat portion on said first platform loosely penetrating said opening and having a gear on its lower end engaging said rack, a housing for said gear fixed to said base and having a hub thereon extending into said throat portion, first fluid pressure operated means for moving said rack in opposite directions, a second platform hingedly connected to said first platform, second fluid pressure operated means for tilting said second platfonn between substantially horizontal and substantially vertical positions, a grappling device carried by said second platform, third fluid pressurev operated means for moving said grappling device in an arcuate path substantially parallel to the second platform, fourth fluid pressure operated means on the grappling device for clamping an article therebetween, first conduits extending from the second, third and fourth means, valve means carried by said truck, rollers carried by the upper portion of said telescopic frame, pliable second conduits each having one end connected to said hub, rotary connections between the proximal ends of the first and second conduits, third conduits connected to said first fluid pressure operated means, and said second and third conduits extending through said vertical leg of the L-shaped framework, through said carriage frame and over said rollers to said valve means.

8. In a lift truck of the type having an upright frame and a lift clement movable, in opposite directions along said upright frame; the combination of a primary platform, means for rotating said primary platform about a 13 substantially vertical axis, a secondary platform normally disposed in spaced substantially parallel relationship above said primary platform, means pivotally connecting one edge of said secondary platform to the primary platform, spaced pairs of parallel links pivotally connected to the outer surface of said secondary platform, a grappling device comprising a frame pivotally connected to the other ends of said parallel links, said frame of the pling arms in substantially horizontal position during the course of inward and outward movement thereof when the secondary platform is in a substantially horizontal position while causing said grappling device to move in a substantially arcuate path whereby, when the grappling 'device is extended, it will be disposed on a lower level than that occupied thereby when it is retracted.

9. In a lift truck of the type having an upright frame and a lift element movable in opposite directions along said upright frame; the combination of a primary element, means for rotating said primary element about a substantially vertical axis, a platform normally disposed above said primary element, means pivotally connecting one edge of said platform to the primary element, parallel links having one end pivotally connected to the outer surface of said platform, a grappling device comprising a second frame pivotally connected to the other ends of said parallel links, said second frame normally being disposed adjacent the edge of said platform opposite from that edge which is pivotally connected to the primary element, at least two grappling arms extending outwardly from said second frame toward the pivoted edge of said platform and in substantially parallel relationship to said platform, means for moving the grappling device inwardly and outwardly relative to the plane of the platform, means for tilting the platform, and said parallel links being so arranged as to maintain the grappling arms in substantially horizontal position during the course of inward and outward movement thereof when the platform is in a substantially horizontal position while causing said grappling device to move in a substantially arcuate path whereby, when the grappling device is extended, it will be disposed on a lower level than that occupied thereby when it is retracted.

10. In a lift truck having a first vertically movable frame thereon; the combination of a support adapted to be mounted on said frame, a second frame movably mounted on said support and having laterally spaced substantially parallel arms thereon, means to rotate the second frame about a substantially vertical axis relative to said support substantially a quarter revolution either side 'of the longitudinal axis of the truck, means to tilt said second frame relative to the support, and means to extend and retract said second frame relative to said support in opposite directions substantially parallel with said arms.

11. In a lift truck having a vertical extending loadsupporting frame at its front end and having a carriage guided for movement longitudinally of said frame; the combination of a platform, means supporting said platform for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and adapted to be mounted on said carriage, means for rotating said platform substantially one fourth revolution either side of the longitudinal axis of the truck, means for tilting said platform relative to said supporting means, a second frame mounted on said platform, at least two spaced substantially parallel arms carried by said second frame and extending substantially parallel to said platform, and means for moving said second frame inwardly and outwardly relative to said platform.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,543,214 Luce June 23, 1925 2,575,552 Glenn Nov. 20, 1951 2,595,131 Ehmann Apr. 29, 1952 2,611,498 Broersma Sept. 23, 1952 2,620,930 Mullgardt Dec. 9, 1952 2,646,182 Maas July 21, 1953 2,647,650 Sherriff Aug. 4, 1953 2,699,879 Bertram Jan. 18, 1955 2,706,062 Turner et a1. Apr. 12, 1955 2,712,874 Murray July 12. 1955 

